Treatment

There are treatments for alcohol abuse and alcoholism that have been demonstrated effective in randomized studies.  In addition, there are data indicating that self-help groups such as AA may be beneficial to persons with alcohol abuse or dependence.  Some people, though, are able to stop problematic drinking without professional assistance.

Treatment and health services researchers at PIRE have been involved in advanced research on alcohol treatment policy, including the long-term outcome of treatment, the quality of treatment, the cost-effectiveness of alcohol treatment, and cost offsets associated with treatment.  PIRE researchers have also studied the mechanisms of action underlying the effects of both professional treatment and groups such as AA. 

Methodological studies have resulted in new statistical methods for assessing treatment effects and biomarkers for determining drinking status.  PIRE scholars have been associated with studies on both pharmacological and psychosocial treatments, brief and low-intensity treatment, studies on grade school and college drinking, as well as other special populations, and research on screening for those who could benefit from treatment.